Life On The Water at the HHI Concours d’Elegance…
My November and early Thanksgiving greetings to everyone,
I sincerely enjoy sharing photos and articles from our different Shows, and thinking about your interests. In the past I have separated the Concours photos by boats, and then cars. I thought that this year I would send the photos in one link.
First, may I also recognize Rob Weller for his Land Display /Classic Inboard Award for “38 Special”……and Bryan and Sherry Wheeler for their Judges Award for “Resurrected” at the Georgetown Boat Show just held in October. It was wonderful to see their recognition, and this is a popular and well attended show. Congratulations!
This was the 24th year for the Concours and it is an honor to be invited. We had a very significant amount of visitation at our Life On The Water Special Exhibit throughout the Show. The time to talk and share with people is special……and so often we learn about family history, past wooden or classic boats owned, current projects, engines, overall design, and finishes. Our weather was breezy throughout the Show with both sunny and cloudy skies. Rain paid a visit very early Sunday morning, but we also got to sleep in another hour as Daylight Savings time changed!
As is our tradition, several of us arrived on Thursday to receive our Registration packets and drop our boats and trailers. It was nice to see everyone, and we enjoyed the traditional dinner at Hudson’s that evening.
Friday morning, we gathered as a group at 10am to determine the best placement within our space. We were also sharing with 3 impressive deep water boats that have all of the modern features. After good ideas and suggestions, we settled on transoms toward the Show Field, at an angle, and then a crescent turn on one end to balance the presentation. Gary Fesperman was a great angle and parking director…..and John and Stephanie used their trucks to keep the process moving along.
All good, and we left spaces for additional arrivals through the day. Roger Bailey finished us up in the afternoon and was ideally parked lengthwise in the middle.
With this complete……we were off to the Dockside Waterfront Restaurant for an early dinner.
The Club Car Showcase is held on Saturday, and the cars were rumbling in early starting at 6am. They leave after the awards in the afternoon. Some are invited to stay for Sunday. Early Sunday morning the Concours cars come in. The Judging is highly specific, and the lead speaker for the awards has an absolutely vast knowledge of many of these participants. The Judges are very professional and travel in from across the country at their own expense to participate.
The Special Exhibits included our boats, along with additional presentations. This year a number of muscle cars and Pontiac’s were there, and a specific group of impressive Cobra’s. Additionally, there was a display of small cars that was so interesting and unique to see.
One of our new members, Bryan Fuller joined with his highly customized 1967 Correct Craft ski boat and trailer…..but no one would know that based on the remarkable transformation as a resto-mod named Full Bore. The 427 H&M engine is a real power package, and the trailer is fully customized with walk around, hidden LED lighting and then side exhausts near the stern for a powerful sound. Bryan brought this boat to the Lake Rabun Show in May, and joined our Chapter while he was there.
Everyone’s boats looked great and I hope that you will enjoy the photos.
On Sunday afternoon, we were all delighted that Bryce and Cherlyn Johnson won the People’s Choice Award for their wonderful Coronado. They have worked diligently on their boat in all aspects and this was well deserved!
The Show was complete at 4pm and several journey’s home started. Others gathered for dinner on Sunday evening to depart on Monday.
Next year will be the 25th Anniversary of the Concours and they have many special events planned!
May I please sincerely thank Huntley Tarleton Chairman of the Special Exhibits, Julie Harrison the Event & Exhibitor Concierge handling our Registrations, and Pete Hansas who was volunteering and kindly assisted as we arrived, and through the days. They all were outstanding in their support for our members.
My best wishes to everyone for the upcoming Holiday Season and New Year in 2027.
Sincerely, Steve
